Judge: Bush Plot Case Evidence Classified

[Eugene]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5242032,00.html

Judge: Bush Plot Case Evidence Classified


Tuesday August 30, 2005 1:46 AM

By MATTHEW BARAKAT

Associated Press Writer

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - The judge in the case of a man accused of
joining al-Qaida and plotting to assassinate President Bush said
Monday he possesses evidence that could help the defendant, but that
he can't turn it over to defense lawyers because they lack required
security clearances.

U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee said at a pretrial hearing that
he received the classified material from prosecutors, who are required
to turn over any evidence that's potentially beneficial to the
defense.

Lee told the defense team for Ahmed Omar Abu Ali that "from what I've
seen, it's important information and it bears on your defense."

Prosecutors allege that Abu Ali, 24, confessed to joining al-Qaida in
2002 while studying overseas in Saudi Arabia and that he discussed
terrorist plots with al-Qaida members, including a plan to assassinate
the president.

But Abu Ali, of Falls Church, says he gave a false confession after
being tortured by Saudi authorities, and says he has the scars on his
back to prove it. The U.S. government denies that Abu Ali was
mistreated.

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